Stories from Saturday, October 23, 2021

Did you know today (Oct. 23) is National Make a Difference Day? It is not an official holiday but it falls each year on the fourth Saturday of October. It is a day that places emphasis on volunteerism and community service. It encourages people to be active in their community and do charitable works...

Leaders of the Blytheville Chamber of Commerce made a momentous change recently, when the board of directors voted unanimously to change the organization’s name to Mississippi County Regional Chamber of Commerce. People may perceive this as a substantial change, but it is a long time in the making in a county that has struggled to see unity as a key to success. We talk about unity from north, south, west, and east, but we have yet to embrace it fully...

During Tuesday’s meeting, Blytheville Lions Club vice president Lynn Sikes (left) and Danny Quearry of M & D Outfitters promoted the NEA’s 4th Annual Duck Calling and Gumbo Contest on Oct 29-30. More than 20 teams had signed up as of press time. Drivers from the Discovery Channel’s Street Outlaws will be the special guests. ...

For the fifth straight year, Blytheville Mayor James Sanders has reported that there were no findings involving city departments in the city’s 2020 legislative audit. This audit, conducted by the Arkansas Division of Legislative Audit, pertains to the mayor, finance director John Callens, clerk/treasurer Connie Brents, district court clerk Darla Atchley and police chief Ross Thompson. The reviewing letter was complete by deputy legislative auditor, Marti Steel...

Manila School Board refinanced bonds, hired a high school secretary, reviewed the facilities master plan, voted on business disclosures and updated vacation policy at the meeting held Wednesday, Oct. 20. Superintendent Jason Evers introduced Michael Dobbs with First Security Beardsley who discussed the refinancing of bonds...

Nancy Robbins, candidate for the position of Craighead County Clerk, addressed the Lake City City Council with information about herself and some of her background experience in county government, during the regular council meeting held Oct. 18. She also shared her goals she is wanting to achieve if elected to this position...

Members of the Arkansas Northeastern College Board of Trustees met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, where they were given an enrollment report for the Fall Semester. Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ANC saw a slight increase in its number of students enrolled for this Fall Semester over last semester from 1,358 students to 1,457, according to Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. ...

Delta Drug in Manila will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a reception from 2-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25, at the pharmacy located on Highway18 bypass. The public is invited and refreshments will be served. The Jackson family, owners of the family business, want to express their appreciation to their customers for their support over the years...

The Blytheville City Council was split 3-3 in a vote of no confidence in Blytheville police chief Ross Thompson in their Oct. 19 meeting. A no confidence vote essentially tells the community and mayor that a council has no confidence in the chief, but ultimately, only the mayor has the authority to remove him or her, according to Blytheville city attorney Chris Brown...